By Derrick Smith

Elisha Wheeler has two children in the Guthrie Public School system. She says that even though Guthrie is not a small town, it does have that feel to it and that is something that she enjoys most about it. 

“Even though Guthrie is a larger community and school district, it has a small-town feel,” she said. “I love the fact that the staff and administration address my family by name when we run into each other in the community. I feel like the friendships my girls and I have made within the school and community will last a lifetime. I appreciate the time and energy our educators and coaches have invested to make sure our students and athletes are successful.”

Her oldest child Kyra is a senior. She plays basketball, is a member of the student council, and is a Special Olympics Unified Partner and volunteer. Her youngest, Kennedi, is in sixth grade and she competes in cheer and soccer. 

Wheeler enjoys seeing her kids compete and be involved because she knows that it is shaping them into an all-around solid person.

“I fully believe that being active in school sports and school and community organizations is the best way to develop character,” she said. “There are many life lessons learned as a youth participant in many different settings. I feel that it is my duty as a parent to model respect and hard work within organizations for my kids.”

As her day job, Elisha is the Director of Operations at Central Oklahoma Camp and Make Promises Happen. That is a summer camp facility that provides year-round outdoor recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs. She is also a member of the Guthrie Lady Jays Booster club. 

“I enjoy helping the coach have a successful program. I am a planner by nature, so if I am an active participant, it is easy to help other parents be informed of team happenings and needs.”